Conductor roll



4 sheets-sheet 1 E. R. MUDDIMAN ETAL CONDUCTOR ROLL 'Filed Aug. 28, 1943Api-i120, 194s.

rmbh

y s Y m NLHH M EWR .a Mmmfm UM/V ME. RM E u 5W April 20, 1948. E. R.MUDDIMAN ET AL 2,439,858

CONDUCTOR ROLL` Filed Aug. ze, 1943 4 sheets-sheet 2 -zw 88 Q6' l `10a12a 100 Flyn- 2. 12 D 12@ i, V12a ,L ,12d j W l f "l ff 58 /30 W 8 Qv/50 ckv/'B JSCV ll J5? \l"\`\ {ff/) .252

G. fr

J3@ 12b 75g l@ .98 72a gg @a 114 e ma l 2c 100 .94102 102 y@ 82 4 58 'zz2 l 6.5 Fn

752 im J5 152 INVEN-rons 12b 54ML @MyDD/MAN and April 20, 1948 E. R;MUDDIMAN TAL 2,439,858

l CONDUCTOR ROLL f lFiled Aug. 28, 194s 4 sheets-sheet s Mes. N o0 "IINVENTORS lEAm/QMUoD/MAA/ahd 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 CONDUCTOR ROLL Filed Aug.28, 1945 Rl f man m. Tm M mmf .m vD e mow ,n UW wf. M uw Dulm w b .QN QQQR WM. MNM' QM. www

April 20, 1948.

E. R. MUDDIMAN ETAL Patented Apr. 20, 1948 vNITED STATES lPATENT OFFICE'CONDUCTOR ROLL Earll R. Muddiman, Wilkinsburg, and William E.Winterlialter, Mount Lebanon, Pa., assignors to Carnegie-Illinois Steeltion of New Jersey Corporation, acorporan Application August 28, 1943,Serial No. 500,418

clams. (c1.v 204-209) The present invention provides a conductor rollforuse in conjunction with electrolytic processes, which roll isresistant to chemical attack by the electrolyte used in such processes,whether they fbecleaning processes, where a metallic body, such vas ametal strip, for example, a steel strip, is convidesuch a conductor rollwith a surface which fis resistant to wear and corrosion and therebyprotects the strip from undesired eiiects, as will bepointed out inparticularity hereinafter. A further object of the present invention isto provide an improved conductor roll construction of increased strengthand electrical conductivity and which is provided withimprovedinstrumentalities for eiecting an eiiicient circulation of cooling waterWithin theinterior of the roll to 1 prevent overheating of the roll.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent as the descriptionproceeds, and the lfea-- tures of novelty will be defined inparticularity in the appended claims.

The invention will be understood more readily by reference to theaccompanying drawings,

y wherein:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic showing of va'. portion of a commercialelectroplating line for electroplating a continuously rapidly movingmetal.

strip, the plating line' having the improved'rolls of the presentinvention Yassociated therewith;

Figure 1A is a continuation ofthe equipment vof Figure 1, the viewshowing the completion of the said equipment;

Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the plating unit shown inFigure 1, showing in greater l invention;

of theapparatus of Figure 3, showing details of the mounting voi?theimproved roll oi the present Figure 5 is aside elevation of theVimproved roll of the present invention, together with assoelated parts;

Figure 6 is va longitudinal sectional elevation of the improved roll ofthe present invention,

` showing details of construction; and

, Figurer 7 is a transverse sectional elevation of the roll taken on theline VII-VII of Figure 6,

' looking in the direction of the arrows.

vThe conductor roll of the present invention will be describedwithparticular reference to its adaptation for use inconveying a ferrousmetal strip through an'electrolytic tin-plating line, and for renderingthe strip' itself electrically energized as it moves through thetin-plating apparatus. althoughit will be understood that the inventionis not 'necessarily so limited.

When ferrous metal strip is to be coated electrolytically, such as, forinstance, with tin, the

strip after annealing and tempering, is subjected to a series ofprocessing steps wherein the surface thereof is provided with acoatingwhich is uniform and tightly adherent thereon, and in which the physicalproperties imparted to the base metal remain unchanged. jWitl1"reference 'to Figures 1V and 1A, there is shown vby way of illustration,a diagrammatic arrangement of various processing steps, as related tothe coatingoperation in which the improved conductor roll of the presentinvention is employed.

particularity the disposition of the-improved rolls relative to theplating unit, the view being in longitudinal sectional elevation;

, Figure 3 is a transverse sectional elevation through the unit ofFigure 2, the viewrbeing taken i on the line III-LIII of Figure 2,looking in the direction of the arrows; Figure 4 is an enlarged View oithe topv portion Referring to these views, coils S of strip steel to' beprocessed are shown as disposed on unreeling devices. Two or more of.such unreeling devices are provided so that as the end of the stripbeing processed approaches, anew coil is already positioned so that itsfront end can be Vjoined to "the reary end of the outgoing strip,thereby providing continuity of the processing through sequential stepsto be described subsequently herein. vThe strip S is yshown as beingpassed through a feed in device 2, a shear 3, a welding apparatus 4, anda pair of feed-in. pinch rolls 5, which pull the strip from theunreeling device and direct it into the looper pit E. The feeding device2, shear '3, and welding apparatus 4, serve only the func- Y tion ofcorrectly positioning and joining the endstojremoveitracesjoi'theelectrolyte.

be termedi a pure Water. and. asleh;

eficaces of the outgoing and incoming strip so that passage of the stripthrough the subsequent processing steps is substantially continuous.

From the looper pit, the strip is pulled through roller` side guides 1which laterally position the strip so that it is in proper position topass through the subsequent processing apparatus. The strip then passesthrough a tensioning device 8, Wherein back-tension is created of amagnitude onlir sucient to hold the strip taut as it passes throughsubsequent apparatus. From the tension device: 8,' the strip is passed.finto and `through a verticalpi'ckling tankl 9 in which thesurface ofthe strip is conditioned by subjecting it to an lirlitial vigorousanodic pickling action folloWecifiin-fl mediately thereafter by astraight clrernical fat-V n tack by the acid pickling medium containedtherein. Upon emergingfrom the pieklingltank, the steel strip is passedinto andgthrough arinsing and scrubbing machine l' Whichremov'es foreignmatter and residual pickling solution from its surface. Y i

The strip now enters the plating unitiggwhich may comp-rise a verticaltank having'upper'con- Veying and conductor rolls, 12a., Aof theconstruction of the vpresent inventiomandlowersink rolls l12b, thecombined conveying'and conductorrolls l2@ and the sink rolls l2b beingsopositioned with respect 'to' 'eaoh lother ,as to, maintain the` strip ina Vertical position'init's travel'throi'igh thelsev-J eralverticalpassesn provided in ,the saidi.tank.

c Theistrip-is established as cathode -t e plating Atank by its passage@ver fthecontesting .and conductor rollsd 2a jwhich Aare f cdnrjectedthrough suitablefmeansgnot 'shown',;t thenegativesi'de of' @platineerjierator, 'not'.'slmwa XTDQ' .strip is maintained in 'close:engagement with-the" rolls 12a lby means `of pres urelr'olls J ,2clgwliiharap9stimed -with respegttrlthe:rolls-12cm as.' toJiiress,

urnulating on fsguperioncated* either surfacelismininiized-an1d 'productislobtained. L M f s As nthe strip emerges"froIQthegpla/tingtank,

. and. if it is desired to recover a electrolyte remeningen' thesurfacthebfnmsy repasse@ into andithrouehajrecorryapparatusl it :Where:

"The coated strip next is' subjectedgtd rinsing operation, and,ifgdesiredg' operation may include'fablshilfg n; ivi'iereby i sired.

the apparatus; soA that. it emerges therefrom 7o and comes ,into contactwith 'the air, it@ 1 driesilmmediately f Since jthegrinsing. actiolnistheresult wf Condensation@ thesteamithisianam may mni- .as it emergesfrom the steam bearing atmosphere in apparatus i6. While the strip isheated during its passage through the apparatus I6, the temperatureattained by it is insuicient to change the physical characteristicsimparted by the temper rolling operation. However, the temperature ofthe strip as it emerges from the apparatus I6 is approximately at theboiling point of water, and to protect the rubber covered forwardpulling drive bridle rolls l1, there is positioned Vbetween the exit endof the apparatus and the Y Said bridle rolls l1, a1 blower {[BgWhichvdirects air upon the surface of the-strip to reduce its tem- I,perature prior to its passage through the said drive bridle rolls I'l.

The st-n'p leaves the drive bridle rolls l1 in a substantially.untensioned condition, and in order to-be--conveyed therefrom and tofinishing equip- ;mentfssuch-asfshearing and stacking devices, not'.Shgwn; ::thapntensioned strip is caused to be passed over abridge-like structure I9, which may .bearollerf:bedhwherein the rollersare freely ro- Vtai-.ed so as to insure passage of the strip thereoverWithout injury to its surface or causing the same to be buckledor---kinled The foregoinggenerardescription isA presented V @forthepurpose-'ofv exempliiying a specificapplie-cation'or embodimentfof vthe'combined conveying i 'and ycoriductor-f-ro-lls 1.2 a; -the-particulariconstrucsationr of#A which forrnsl the subject -matter of vthepresentlirivention;in-order `to show :clearly #just howl these frollsare employed vin i ser-vice,4 and Mwhich is the -inherent-mannerofuseofi'this gen- "Because f' of the conditions lof ser-viceY -to which-the'rolls 12a aresubjected-,i they1must have; inherently,l certain-particul-arproperties for satisfactory ,oper-ation. i -It -i`sto benotedthat -thestrip is coninuously at high speed-through i' thesystein;the-istrip, V inpractice, lhaving a-linear `speed of -rnany hundreds offeet perm ini1te, and the rolls-havevinrealityadual{functionjinthatthey# both convey; thevv strip beingplated through the' Kelectrolytic'cell; and, atthev same time, con- -ductcurrent to K@the fstrip beingvcoated, so that "this fstrip; forms the cathode in the plating tank 'gand; as will become apparentifrom'the foregoing 5 description inconnection'WithA-l'igures 1 andjlA, 5 ,the rolls. merelyzcenduet currenttothe Strip and enter H1111@ Wer mtgtheeleqtrelye aciimiinihe cell. Y

As vhas Ybeen mentioned above, lsuch x'iualj pur- ...P059 COlYYQl @nd-QQQUCI ,191215. sele in ifheltentlr. radicales.pbperties.foriseinnonvey--ingthe stripbeing :coated throughtheelnectromieren .white conqueringcurrent wir ...stripasV willbe seerlremglilienres .1. and.; ,Athe'.:Lstrpl @ein 'nlatesizrasss weiser/eral .Qtihew cogasgitprogresses.imagen, .thaplatinatanbs- ...AS thestnpptnavlstbralieh:ibe.-eletrplrtegitipicks -fililsemeef-ih eleirelrienszthettthe,emilined A. cvarererfand-fensiutr -rnlls @freine-vergaard vention mustbe sufficiently:cgrigosionresistant uta-.withstandthaactionpnthamaterials present in the delectrolyteuwhich may include,yefor. ex-

.;ample,.s ulphuricr and phenolsulphoniaaoida fSincesome slippagelbetweenthe rapidly moving strip and the-rolls-is-unavoidable;itligllowsthat-thesnrf-ace, ofthe rolls (must/ bed handles ,wellfiasressiantagainstrcorrosien br.t1f1e...e1e,tr91yte L Additionally;since'-the edges of the strip ,may be ,barrer-tand sincathestrinlr.under-.landen as it I5y is conveyed by th'erolls,V the surface of therolls must be sufficiently har'd to withstand scoring action of suchburred edges.

A further inherent characteristic of the rolls is that the surface ofthe rolls should not become wetted easily by the electrolyte, since ifthe rolls were wetted easily, there would be an additional tendency ofthe surface of the rolls to become attacked by the electrolyte, withresulting deterioration and contamination of the roll surface. Moreover,easy wettability facilitates transfer of foreign material to the rollsurface and makes cleaning of the roll more diflicult. Thus, forexample, the rst roll of a series thereof, that is to say, the incomingroll on which' the strip travels as it enters the electrolyte, this rolltends to become contaminated with iron compounds, preferably ironhydroxides, minute amounts of which are present in the water lm carriedby the strip following cleaning as the result of oxidation of thefreshly pickled strip surface by th'e water. The rapidity with which thecontaminating layer builds up andthe facility with which it can beremoved depends to a great extenton the ease `with wh'ich the rollsurface is wetted.

Wettability of the roll surface is also important as regards subsequentrolls in the series. In this case, however, the contaminating materialis minute particles of the coating metal itself which are abraded fromthe coated strip when slippage between the strip and the roll occurs.Such' particles become attached to the roll surface, and then themselves-act to abrade more coating metal from the strip if the slippagecontinues. The adherence of the particles and the ease with wh'ich suchparticles are removed, depends upon the wettability of the rollsurface.A Hardness of the surface is also important in thisrespect'since the cleaning must be done without damage to the rollsurface, otherwise chances of abrasion of the coating metal areincreased and the trouble aggravated.

Roughening of the roll surface, wh'ether caused mechanically bycorrosion, or the build-up of contaminating materials results in highspots which, in turn, become points of abnormally high pressure as thestrip passes over the roll. Such high spots not only mar the strip withindentations and scratches, but because of the pressure, abnormally highcurrent is transferred `at these points, which condition generallyresults in arcing and at least in overheating of the strip at thepoints. The net result is areas which are burned or badly oxidized andwhich do not coat properly, the coatings being poorly adherent andfaulty in appearance.

It is found in practice that a roll possessing the satisfactorymechanical and electrical properties can be obtained by applying achromium surface to a copper roll, copper being a good conductingmaterial, and the chromium facing having the requisite hardness,corrosion resistance, and wetting properties to give satisfactoryresults.

Each of the rolls |2a is composed of a suitable metallic cylinder 38,which preferably is a copper cylinder having a facing 32 of chromiumthereon, which facing forms a chromium coating for the cylinder andimparts to the cylinder the above described advantages, and desirableproperties. The roll is closed at its ends by steel end castings 34which are extended into stepped hubs 36. A shaft 38 extends through theroll and hubs 36, the shaft 38 being preferably made in twocomplementary parts threadedly interconnected as indicated at 40. Theshaft 38 is tapered towards its end to receive the collector rings or isindicated at 50.

30, preferably composed of copper.

The end castings 34 are held in place by having a drive fit with thecylinder 30. The outer face of each of the end castings is provided witha layer of insulation 52 held in place by means of fasteners 54. Theinsulating disks 52 are sufficiently largeto cover the ends of Lthecylinder 33 as well as the end castings 34, th'ereby protecting theoperators of the apparatus from accidental shocks as well as protectingthe `ends of the roll assembly from damage. The inner surfaces of theend castings 34 are recessed adjacent to the shaft 38 for the provisionof water-tight packing 56, which' preferably is lead, for preventingleakage of water between the end castings and shaft.

In order to reinforce the cylinder 30 as well as to conduct currenttherefrom to the shaft 38 in a more ecient manner, the interior of thecylinder 30 is subdivided by a suitable number of metallic diaphragme58, which are, like the cylinder The diaphragms 58 are provided withholes 68 for the passage of cooling water therethrough.

In order to introduce cooling water into the roll, the end portion 62 ofthe shaft 38 is provided with a bore 64 which' is adapted to beconnected with a suitable supply of Water 65, and which communicateswith radially extending openings 66, which inject water into theinterior of the roll. Water passes from these openings through the holes60 in the diaphragme 58, the diaphragms being welded to the shaft, asindicated at 68, to form a water-tight bond with the shaft. The holes 60are dispo-sed around the periphery of th'e diaphragm.

The end portion 10 of the shaft 38 is provided with an outlet pipe 'l2which communicates with a bore 14 in the end portion I0 of the shaft.This bore 14 extends through' the end of the shaft and is closed by aremovable plug 1B, if a `water flinger 'I8 is employed, water thenleaving the shaft 38, through radial holes which communicate with thewater flinger 18 which is enclosed in a h'ousing 32. Glands 84 areprovided to hold packing 83 in place. If the water inger I8 is not used,the plug '16 may be removed and the end of the shaft connected to asuitable pipe connection.

The outlet pipe 12 is long enough to extend from the shaft 38 almost tothe cylinder 33, so that the interior of the roll will be filled withcooling water. I

The rolls are suspended from cross-beams such as indicated at 88, whichcross-beams are positioned above the respective plating tanks and aresuitably secured to the framework, not shown, which encloses the tanks.A portion of such framework is indicated by the beams 93 extending alongthe top portion of the tank, one of which beams carries a bracket arm 92which supports the end portion 62 of the shaft 38 and defines a housing94 for a water-tight swivel connection 93 between the water supply 55and end portion 62 of the shaft. The cross-beams 88 are reinforced andheld rigidly spaced apart by means of beams 98 extending longitudinallyof theplating tanks and suiiiciently above the tanks to accommodate'thebeams 88 which are welded to the beams 38.

The rolls l2a are suspended from the crossbeams 88 by means ofstirrup-like brackets |88 accesso" thrrmlglr`antiffrictionbearings;lllzjrlnj .which the. hubs 36;1-o.tate`;' Thebearings l'llzaresuitably.

fastened to the` brackets .Kirby means of bolts |04, for-example', the:brackets IUObeHgseCured! in turn to the underside of the cross-.beams882 by means of bolts |06. Brackets I'UU. areinsulated from bearings.|62 hy'suitalble insulation as indicated at l Also mounted on` theunderside Aof thercross.-

beams 88 is a pair of similar brackets Hlin'which. are mounted pivotpins HU' for the mountingVA arms H2 of theholdedown rollersV |20. Thesearmsr are somewhat' sicklfeashaped' tohold the; rolls |2c `ofi center;-the .hold-down ,rolls holding,`l

the strip closely against thelroll 120'; for uniform electrical contact'"therebetween, thezlrolddown.

rolls acting; on'lthe strip" by, gravity; orA it desired, suitablesprings' may be provided to increase the pressureofthe-'hold-dovvirrolls;l

Thecrossi-beam 88' also carriesxon its end Athe contact' plates il t4,.-which: are Yconnected electrically to the'- collector-rings Yor drums'dzthrough collector brushes, not shown., The plates it# are..

secured to thel ends' of thexcross-'beami by' meansv of bolts'tt; orother suitable fastening'. means, a layer of in'sulationil" IllL being.interposed between the plates; H4 andthe cross-beam 8?;

The bolts HG* are `suitably insulated 'from the plates! I4.

Itis preferred to-make the roll structureout' of through thefboreSlt'drilled' in-l the and. through the holesiv which are: drilledradially.

into the shaft until .theycommunicate with the bore'd.- lThe outlet pipel'for the waterextends inside the -roll toward: thexperipheryeto Ja;.short distance therefrom, which .in practice.' is about.. 5,/8inch-'from theinside'of'the copper cylinder 3l?,l The Water leaves; theshaftthrough radiali holes-89` and bronze'vwater'ninger I8 enclosedinl.the housing 82; the glandsl 81%," vvl'iic'h'` hold 'the packing 86`-invplace andprevent 'leakage around the'shaft. The Waterpasses fromhousing-82.

through discharge pipe |2.V

The diaphragme 58A andthe endY castings 34 are turned for shrink andpress nts in the copper cyl--` indei` 30to-assuregoodielectricalcontact; Additionally the copper diaphragms areWelded to the. shaft 38 as shown at 68, and to the inside of thecoppercylinder 3|] as is .indicated at |22; The steel end castings 34Vand the copper diaphragms 58 Aare designedV with proper currentcarrying' characteristics so that the diaphragms eachcariy about 1/3- ofthe total current to the shellv andeacn steel end casting-,carries about-1/6. oi the current.v In this Waygthe maximum current -isl carried dl-4rectlyvto-tlfieV central portion of the roll Where the greatestcurrentdensityl is required. The collec-V tor drums |12 are madepreferablyfrom, copper,

and they assure a large surface area of copper for the collectorbrushes. The collector brushes, not shown, are fasten-ed tosickle-shaped copper members, not shown, carried by the copper plates||4.t The ccllectordrums vl2 are pressed. onto a tapered t'on the coppershaft to secure good eie'ctrical contact, andere helldlin place-bylock.

nuts. and 46....

Theanodes |3 .are composed4 of the-metal being plated, .ci g., tin,Aandare disposed, on. both sides ofthe-moving strip being plated. Eachseries of anod'es is suspendefdlfrom ,a conductive .bridge |24 whichreceives current rom bus .bars |26 vadjacent. the. top, |`28`ofj the.platingtanks..

Snkrolls |2bia're shown asbeing. mounted on shafts such; asVl3ll,havingl suitable bearings.y |32. The sink' rolls |26' are coveredvwith rubber for insulation. and forv preventing `marringthe strip beingplated'. End'insulation 52,; covering the ends of the conductor rolls.|.2a,lpr.o.tect therolls from damage .during insertion. of the anodes,or duringJ other .assembling of the equipment.

The chromium. suiacealis. appliedV in any suitable manner, and it is.found toconstitute an excellentlcontact surface for theintended purpose.

In operation,the.platinacurrent passes from the anodes to thestrip,.thence.to.the surface of the" combined .conveyor and.. conductorroll, thence throughV the diaphragme, 5% and'. end. castingsl'to theshaftA SGL-Zandont bywayot the energizinguthe stript so that .metal isplated on the strip as the strip passes through theelec-trolyte.lVlechanically,y thel conductor roll. serves to facilitate the movementof the, strip through the system 'and .to convey vthe strip `th'rrmghthe `plat-` ing cells, The chromium facing or. coatingr32 1S applied soas to be bonded toth'e .cylinder .tilvvith7 an' integral bond.:

The-.structure of the present invention may beassembledV in variousways. For example, the shaft sections maybe threaded .together and the'Vdiaphragm members. 58 .inserted -thereover and welded-lin .placethereon. andtheoutlet pipe 'l2` suitably secured. The resulting..assembly thenis insertedin Athe roll shell',- which previouslyhas'hadthe chromium:facingappliedyto it, and therdiaphragms 58are weldedto theinner surfacefof -the'shell' asV shown inFigurei The lead packings56'A then are .applied over each end of tlie:shaf|:` and placed'around'.ithe shaft .adjacent to Athelargest"shoulders of (the shat'..TheV end castings -35 *With' their integral. hubs. Sli then are iplacecfover .the endsloflthe. shaft and. brought up to the roll shell,after which they arefpressed suitablydnto place,y ,as bya. hydrauliaram,for example, until the iangesy l|34 l engage vthe shouldersI`36`,`.thisaction .also tightlywedging .the lead packings .56 y'in ypla-ce tofiorm'water-.tight seals bemzeen thez-endgjcastings 34 'and.the shaft; The insulating; facingsriZ: then. Vare applied andfastencdz-im place avithl screwszft. Loeki nuts i6- thenare:thi:eadedtonto. threads 5U of` the hubs-36,- and the-collectordrumsAllZ. then are pressed onto the shaft'E and."lockediihy means yof :thenuts IM and 46;'. Finallyithe -Water-linger--assembly is'applied-andi-securedto the'shaft,` if such waterflingeri'is-tofbe-iused. Discharged Water is led awayl from the-roll'andjsultablydisposedof.- The .hubs 38vl are; provided with anges |38,Awhich As-Willf'beseen, the internal Lconstructionof -the roll' is suchthat the cooling Water is directed aeeaeas continuously against the sideareas of the roll which require maximum cooling.

We claim:

1. Apparatus for electroplating metal on a continuously rapidly movingstrip of dissimilar metal, which comprises a combined conveyor andconductor roll for conveying the strip through an electroplating bath,the said roll also contacting and supplying electric current to thestrip as it moves through the plating bath and making the said strip thecathode in the bath, the said combined conveyor and conductor rollcompr-ising a hollow electrically conducting cylinder, a conductor shaftfor mounting the cylinder, current conducting diaphragms between thecylinder and shaft in conducting relation therewith, the saiddiaphragrns having a diameter equal to the inside diameter of thecylinder and being spaced equally along the shaft and cylinder and atequal distance within the ends of the cylinder, the said diaphragmsuniformly distributing current over the entire cylinder, electricallyconductingend closu-re members for the` cylinder in tight engagementtherewith and with the shaft, the said closure members being of lessconductivity than the diaphragms, and forming auxiliary fcurrentconducting and distributing members cooperating with the diaphragms foruniformly distributing the current over the entire cylinder, the saidclosure members being extended into tapering hubs engaging the shaft,current collecting drums in tight engagement with the shaft, and meansin the shaft for circulating cooling fluid through the cylinder.

2. Apparatus for electroplating metal on a continuously rapidly movingstrip of dissimilar metal, which comprises a combined conveyor andconductor roll for conveying the strip through an electroplating bath,the said roll also contacting and supplying electric current tothe stripas it moves through the plating bath and making the said strip thecathode in the bath, the said combined conveyor and conductor rollcomprising a hollow copper cylinder, a copper shaft for mounting thecylinder, copper conducting members inside the cylinder and welded tothe shaft and cylinder, the said members being copper diaphragms spacedequally along the shaft and hollow cylindrical roll body composed ofhigh conductivity metal, a shaft for mounting the Vroll body, the saidshaft being composed of high conductivity metal, spaced conductivediaphragm means in the -roll body dividing the said body interiorly intoa series of cooling compartments, the said diaphragm means having adiameter equal to the interior diameter of the roll body and welded tothe shaft and to the roll body in intimate electrical connection withboth the shaft and roll body,v the said diaphragm means constituting themajor conductive path for major' portions of current between the shaftand roll'fbody, means for conducting current to the shaft, electricallyconductive end closure members for the roll body closely engaging theshaft and roll body, the said 'end closure members being less conductivethan the diaphragm means but cooperating with the diaphragm meanstoassure uniform distribution of current on the roll body, means forcirculating cooling uidthrough the shaft, and means for maintaining eachof the cooling compartments in the roll sbodyV continuously filled withcontinuously circulating cooling fluid.

4. Apparatus for electroplating metal on a continuously rapidly'movingstrip of dissimilar metal,

f which comprises a combined conveyor and concylinder and at equaldistance vwithin the ends t of the cylinder, the said diaphragms beingof the same diameter as the inside diameter ofthe cylinder, the saiddiaphragms being means for conducting major portions of current from theshaft to the cylinder and for uniformly distributing current on the saidcylinder, steel end closure members for the cylinder tightly fittinginto the cylinder and around the shaft, the said closure memberscooperating `with the diaphragms in securing uniform currentdistribution on the cylinder, each Iclosure member conducting a lessamount of current between the shaft and cylinder than do the diaphragms,the said closure members being extended into elongated tapering hubsengaging the shaft, copper current collective drums tightly mounted onthe shaft, and locking means on the shaft and hubs .forlocking the drumsin'position on the shaft. l 3. Apparatus for electrically energizing acontinuously rapidly Imoving strip of metal, which comprises a combinedconveyor and electrical contact roll for conveying the strip through anelectrolyticbath, the said roll also contacting and supplying electriccurrent to the strip as ductorv-roll for conveying the strip through anelectroplating bath, the said roll also contacting the vstrip `andsupplying electric current to the strip as itmoves through the platingbath and making the strip the cathode in the bath, the said combined`conveyor and conductor roll comprising ahollow cylindrical rollbodycomposed of high conductivity metal, a facing on the roll body adaptedto contact the stri-p and having a hardness substantially greater thanthe strip and the metal being plated onto the strip, a shaft formounting the roll body, the said shaft being composed of highconductivity metal, means for c'onducting current to thev shaft, spacedconductive diaphragm means mountedon the shaft in the roll body dividingthe said roll body interiorly into a series of transverse vcoolingcompartments, the said diaphragmy means having a diameter equal to theinterior diameter of the roll body and circumferentially engaging theroll body and welded to the shaft and' to the roll body in intimateelectricalv connection with -both the shaft and roll body,'the.saiddiaphragm means constituting the major conductive path for majorportions of current between the shaft and roll body, electricallyconductive end closure members for thev roll body closely' engagingV theshaft and roll body, the said endclosure-members being less conductivethan the diaphragm means,'but cooperating with the .diaphragm means toassure uniform distribution it moves through the plating bath and makingthe strip an electrode in the bath, the said cornprising a hollowcylindrical roll body composed of .high conductivity metal, a facing onthe roll bodi7 adapted to rcontact. the :strip and having a hard- 11ness greater than thestrip and the metal being platedcntothestriprashaftfor mountingthcroll body, thesai-d shaft neing composed;ofi-high: conductivitymetal, means'for conducting-current; to the shaft,spaced conductive.1 diaphragm-.means mounted ontheshaft intheirollbodydividing the roll body .interiorlyfinto ascites-oftransverse cooling compartments, .the saidA diaphragm means havingadiameter equal'tothesintericr diameter ofthe roll body and:circumferentially engaging the roll body and welded to ther shaftA andtothe roll body in intimate electrical.l connection with both the shaftIandi roll bOdmthesaid diaphragm means constituting the major conductivepath for major portions.vr or current. between thev shaft :and rollbody,V electrically conductive end closure members for the roll bodyclosely. engaging the-shaft and tightly fitting-intothe roll body, thevsaid? end closure members being less conductive-than the diaphragmmeansbut cooperating'withthe diaphragm means no-assureuniformidistribution.` of current on the entire Vroll body, affluid intakepassage in the shaft. extending from 4a point beyond the rollito apointY within Vthe roll adjacent to an end closuremember-fortherollibody,fluid supply ports connecting the-intakeu passagewith the interior of the roll bodygfluid-passageports through Athediaphragmmeans adj acentl tothe roll body, an outletV pipe in the-roll:body-.extending from the shaft'toa-point adjacentfztothe-roll' body, theoutlet pipe being positioned: in. the4 roll: body adjacent to theend1thereof opposite tolthe'intake ports, and aiiuidoutletpassagethrough the shaft. extending from thef-outletpipe oppositel'yi-to theintake passage, the shaft'beingx solidr between the intake andi outlet.passages, the ports; in. the diaphragrrrmeanaandtheontletpipemaintaningthe entire interior of the roll body.l continuously filled withcontinuously. circulating cooling-'fluid for preventing overheating. ontheroll;

6. An. electricall coritact'rollfor` electrically-.energizingcontinuously f movingV 'metallic strip. material passing over therollin. conta-ctpvritli` asurface thereof, whichlcomprises ahollowcylindrlcal roll body composed' of high. conductivity metal;y amounting shaft for the-.rolbbody-,'means for electrically energizingtheshaft, electricallyfconductive end closure members for the rollbodyin close electrical contact with theshaft and rollfbody, diaphragms xed'to .the shaftzand' tothe-.roll body interiorly thereof, the said.diaphragmsJden-ing the principal path of conduction? 'of' energizingcurrent for the roll'fbody, `the .saldi diaphragms being composed oametalhavingrhigher electrical .conductivity than` the endclosure-members, the said. diaphragms and:encbclosureimemberscooperatingto produce uniform. currentldistribution on allof. therolllbodyandfmeanslfor continuously circulating a cooling liquid;through the.' interior of the rollbody.

'7. An electrical contactr roll.. for electrically energizingcontinuously moving metallic-.strip .material passing. over the` roll'.in. contact with4 a surface thereof, whichcomprisesra.hollowfcylindrical roll body composedffof high conductivitymetal, a mounting shaft'fnrthe rollbodyymeans for` electricallyenergizing. the.Y shaft, y electrically conducting end: closure membersfor the roll: body in close electrical contact wlthf the shaftandl rollbody, and diaphragme xedtc theshaftfandto the roll body interiorly:thereof; .thesaid .diaphrag'ms defining; the.. principal. path; of`conduction of energizingV currentr fortheroll body, the said.diaphragmsbeing composed of: a.. metal having higher electrical.conductivity' than the end closure members, the said dlaphragms and endclosure members cooperating to produce uniform current distributioni onythe'strip-engaging surface of the roll body.

8. Apparatus for electroplating metal on a continuously rapidlyI movingstrip of dissimilar metal, vwhich comprises a roll for conveyingthe-strip through. an electroplating bath and supplying electric currentto the strip, .said roll comprising a hollow copper cylindena. facing ofchromium on thev cylinder, a copper shaftfor mounting the cylindercomposed: of ytapering sections threadedly interconnected, 'means forconducting current to the shaft, reinforcingcopper diaphragms within thecylinder in tight engagement with the shaft and inner cylinder Wall, thesaid diaphragme deiining principal current supplying means for thecylinder for uniformly distributing major portions of current on thesaid cylinder, steel end closure members 'for the cylinder inclose-fitting engagement therewith and with the shaft andcooperating'with said'diaphragms for uniformly supplying anddistributing current to the copper cylinder, axfluid intake passageextending through a portion of. theY shaft from a point beyond thecylinder andicommunicating with theinterior of the cylinder adjacent oneend thereof, a iiuid discharge passage extending through another portionof theshaft from within the cylinder to a point beyond the cylinder in adirection opposite to the Yfluid intake passage, a fluid discharge pipeopening within the said cylinder adjacent to an end thereof opposite-tothe iiuid intake passage and extending. to a point immediately adjacentto the cylinder, said pipe communicating with the iiuid` dischargepassage in the shaft, and passagcsin said-1 copper'diaphragms disposedadjacent, the cylinder for passage of fluid therethrough, said cylinderthereby being swept interiorlyby continuously circulating cooling fluid,

9. Apparatus'for electroplating on a continuouslyr. rapidly moving stripof dissimilar metal, which comprises a roll for conveying the stripthrough anelectroplating bathV and supplying electric current to thestrip, 4said roll comprising a hollow electrically conducting cylinder,a conductor shaft for mounting the cylinder, diaphragmsy between the`cylinder and shaft, said diaphragmsbeing uniformly spaced along theshaft and cylinder and having a diameter equal to the inside diameterofthe cylinder, thereby tightly engaging the cylinder and dividing thecylinder intericrly thereof into a series of transverse coolingcompartments, said diaphragms belng of high electrical conductivity forconducting the major portions of current from the shaft to the cylinderWhile uniformly distributing the current on the cylinder,` electricallyconducting endclosure members for the cylinder in tight engagement Withthe shaft and cylinder and being or less electrical conductivity thansaid diaphragms, the enclclosure members cooperating with saiddiaphragms for uniformly supplying the cylinder-with currentand foruniformly distributingA the current onl the cylinder, current collectinginstrumentalities tightly mounted on the shaft, and locking means on theshaft and end closure members for securing the current collectinginstrumentalities in position on the shaft.

10. A roll for conveying metal strip and conducting electric currentthereto comprising an electrically conductive shaftan electricallyconductive hard faced cylinder, electrically conductive closures at thecylinder ends, and electrically 13 conductive diaphragms intermediatethe length of the cylinder, said closures and said diaphragms mountingsaid cylinder on said shaft, the electrical conductivity of saiddiaphragms being appreciably greater than that 0f said end closures tofurnish a substantially uniform current density on the Wall of saidcylinder.

EARLL R. MUDDIMAN. WILLIAM E. WINTERHALTER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 706,550 Gollings Aug. 12, 1902Number Number 15 12,717 513,220

